Hope everyone had a good Christmas. Tonight, there are ten games on as the NHL gets back to business, beginning with...
The Minnesota Wild hosting the Colorado Avalanche. Semyon Varlamov and Niklas Backstrom were given goaltending duties. Minnesota opened with the seventh of the season for Pierre-Marc Bouchard, a power play goal powered by Dany Heatley and Kyle Brodziak. Colorado tied it with a Ryan O'Reilly power play goal in the second period, his ninth of the year, courtesy of Matt Duchene. The Wild got the lead back with Cal Clutterbuck netting his tenth of the season, via Mikko Koivu and Heatley. Gabriel Landeskog tied it for the Avalanche on his seventh of the year, with helpers provided by David Van der Gulik and T.J. Galiardi. Colorado took the lead in the third period when Jan Hejda scored his fourth of the season, thanks to O'Reilly and Van der Gulik. Galiardi put the Avalanche up 4-2 with his sixth of the year, made possible by Hejda alone. This was a final, with the three stars being Landeskog, Clutterbuck, and O'Reilly, while Hejda, Galiardi, and Van der Gulik also had strong showings.
Another edition in the Battle of New York, as the Rangers host the Islanders again. Evgeni Nabokov and Henrik Lundqvist were called on to play goal. The Rangers struck first in the second period of the fifth of the season for Carl Hagelin, assisted by Ryan Callahan and Michael Del Zotto. The Rangers added on in the third period when as Hagelin scored again, his second of the game and sixth of the year, made possible by Del Zotto and Callahan. The Rangers iced it at 3-0 with an empty net goal by Marian Gaborik, his twenty-second of the campaign, fueled by Anton Stralman. The three stars were Lundqvist (28 save shutout), Hagelin, and Del Zotto, with Callahan as an honorable mention.
Heading upstate, the Buffalo Sabres host the Washington Capitals. Michal Neuvirth and Ryan Miller started the game, but Tomas Vokoun replaced Neuvirth early in the first period for the following reasons. Buffalo struck first on the power play as Jason Pominville notched his twelfth of the season, courtesy of Drew Stafford and Jordan Leopold. The Sabres extended the lead with an unassisted Matt Ellis goal, his second of the year. Buffalo chased Neuvirth on a Christian Ehrhoff goal, his third of the season, thanks to Jochen Hecht and Thomas Vanek. Brayden McNabb kept the Sabres going with a power play goal powered by Brad Boyes and Derek Roy. Washington got on the board in the second period with Mathieu Perreault registering his fourth of the year, an unassisted goal. The Capitals got another back in the third period when Alex Ovechkin potted his twelfth of the season, a power play goal, fueled by Nicklas Backstrom and Dennis Wideman. The final was 4-2, with the three stars going to McNabb, Leopold, and Stafford.
Down to Carolina, as the Hurricanes host the New Jersey Devils. Johan Hedberg and Cam Ward got the coach's approval for playing goal. Carolina opened with a shorthanded Brandon Sutter goal, his seventh of the season, and Tim Gleason had the lone assist. The Hurricanes extended the lead in the second period with Tuomo Ruutu potting his thirteenth of the year, courtesy of Alexei Ponikarovsky and Tim Brent. Carolina rolled on with an Anthony Stewart goal, his fifth of the season, pushed through by Andreas Nodl and Brent. New Jersey got on the board in the third period when David Clarkson put his twelfth of the year in the cage, thanks to Anton Volchenkov and Kurtis Foster. The Devils got as close as 3-2 when Adam Henrique deposited his tenth of the season, and Clarkson and Volchenkov picked up the assists. The Hurricanes iced it at 4-2 with an empty net goal by the goalie Cam Ward (you are not reading this incorrectly, this is a true story), officially going in unassisted but it certainly looked to have gotten a fair amount of help from the opponents. The three stars were Sutter, Ward (23 for 25 in saves, goal), and Clarkson. Volchenkov and Brent get honorable mentions.
Westward to St. Louis, with the Blues hosting the Dallas Stars. Richard Bachman and Jaroslav Halak were between the pipes. St. Louis led off with a Chris Stewart goal, his sixth of the season, a power play goal made possible by David Backes and Carlo Colaiacovo. Dallas tied it in the second period when Mike Ribeiro netted his sixth of the year, courtesy of Alex Goligoski and Steve Ott. The Blues took the lead back when Adam Cracknell scored, and the lone assist came from Scott Nichol. St. Louis added on with a Jason Arnott power play goal, his eighth of the season, powered by Patrik Berglund and Kevin Shattenkirk with three seconds left in the second period. Andrew Raycroft relieved Bachman in the third period. The Blues added on again with Evgeny Grachev's goal in the third period, with helpers from David Perron and Berglund. The Stars got one back with Eric Nystrom netting his twelfth of the year, via Radek Dvorak and Vernon Fiddler. Dallas pulled closer on a Michael Ryder goal, his fourteenth of the season, made possible by Jamie Benn. St. Louis iced it as Stewart put away his second of the game and seventh of the year into an empty net for a 5-3 score, and Perron had the lone assist. The three stars were awarded to Perron, Grachev, and Brenden Morrow, while Stewart and Berglund showed well.
Down a little to Nashville, with the Predators hosting the Detroit Red Wings. Jimmy Howard and Pekka Rinne will be in the creases. Detroit led off with a Valtteri Filppula goal, his eleventh of the season, and Henrik Zetterberg had the lone assist. The Red Wings added on in the second period with a Pavel Datsyuk goal, his eleventh of the year, fueled by Todd Bertuzzi and Johan Franzen. Detroit extended the lead again with a Danny Cleary netting his ninth of the season, thanks to Drew Miller. Filppula added on in the third period for the Red Wings with his second of the game and the twelfth of the year, with help from Justin Abdelkader and Cory Emmerton. Nashville got on the board with a Jonathon Blum goal, his third of the campaign, coming off of Jordin Tootoo. The final was 4-1, and the three stars were Howard (31 for 32 in saves), Filppula, and Datsyuk.
Staying in the general Midwest area, the Chicago Blackhawks host the Columbus Blue Jackets. Steve Mason and Corey Crawford do battle from the nets in a match of underwhelming starters. Chicago opened the scoring in the second period with a Patrick Sharp goal, his nineteenth of the season, assisted by Marian Hossa and Nick Leddy. Viktor Stalberg added on for the Blackhawks with his eighth of the year, and Brent Seabrook got the assist. Stalberg extended the Chicago lead with his second of the game and ninth of the season, fueled by Dave Bolland and Duncan Keith. Columbus got on the board in the third period as James Wisniewski netted his second of the year, with the help of Derek MacKenzie and Mark Letestu. The Blackhawks replied with Hossa's sixteenth of the campaign, a power play goal powered by Bolland and Andrew Brunette. The final was 4-1, and the three stars were Stalberg, Crawford (37 for 38 in saves), and Hossa.
Northwest to Vancouver, as the Canucks host the Edmonton Oilers. Nikolai Khabibulin and Roberto Luongo guard the cages. Vancouver was first to score when Andrew Ebbett potted his second of the season, thanks to Chris Higgins and Kevin Bieksa. The Canucks added on with a Daniel Sedin goal, his fourteenth of the year, courtesy of Henrik Sedin and Keith Ballard. Vancouver extended the lead again as Ebbett scored again, his second of the game and third of the season, made possible by Jannik Hansen and Cody Hodgson. Edmonton got on the board in the second period with a power play goal by Jordan Eberle, his sixteenth of the year, coming off of Corey Potter and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. The Canucks got it back with a shorthanded Alexandre Burrows goal, his fourteenth of the season, with an assist from Ryan Kesler. The Oilers answered on the power play as Ryan Smyth netted his fourteenth of the year, powered by Ryan Jones and Sam Gagner. Vancouver got going again in the third period with a Kesler goal, his ninth of the season, made possible by Burrows and Alexander Edler. Potter got the goal back for Edmonton in the form of his third of the year, and Eberle had the only assist. The final was 5-3, with Burrows, Eberle, and Kesler as the three stars. Ebbett earns an honorable mention.
Down the coast to Los Angeles, as the Kings host the Phoenix Coyotes. Jason LaBarbera and Jonathan Quick wear the goalie masks. Los Angeles drew first blood with a Rob Scuderi goal, set up by Drew Doughty and Anze Kopitar. Phoenix tied it on a Raffi Torres goal, his fifth of the season, an unassisted goal. The Kings took the lead back with Brad Richardson making his second of the year, thanks to Slava Voynov and Kopitar. The Coyotes retied it when Torres struck again, his second of the game and sixth of the season, assisted by Patrick O'Sullivan and David Schlemko. Los Angeles grabbed the lead back in the third period on Willie Mitchell's second of the year, fueled by Dustin Penner and Justin Williams. The Kings added on with Dustin Brown sinking his ninth of the season, via Jack Johnson, chasing away LaBarbera in favor of Curtis McElhinney. Phoenix replied with a Daymond Langkow goal, his fifth of the year, and the assists were provided by Mikkel Boedker and Oliver Ekman-Larsson. The final was 4-3 with the three stars being Kopitar, Torres, and Mitchell.
Finally, the Battle of California rages on as the San Jose Sharks host the Anaheim Ducks. Jonas Hiller and Antti Niemi tend the twines. Luca Sbisa put Anaheim ahead first, and he was helped by George Parros and Nick Bonino. San Jose got on the board late in the frame with a Joe Pavelski goal, his fifteenth of the season, set up by Joe Thornton and Jason Demers. The Ducks regained the lead in the second period as Bobby Ryan put his eleventh of the year away, unassisted. Jamie McGinn tied it again for the Sharks with his eighth of the season, and Justin Braun and Colin White picked up the assists. Anaheim took the lead again with an Andrew Cogliano goal, his seventh of the year, courtesy of Matt Beleskey and Andrew Gordon. The final held up at 3-2 with the three stars belonging to Ryan, Cogliano, and McGinn.
Monday, December 26, 2011
Monday Night Football week 16
This week, the New Orleans Saints hosted the Atlanta Falcons. Atlanta opened on a 34 yard field goal for Matt Bryant. New Orleans answered with a Pierre Thomas touchdown run of 4 yards, and John Kasay made the extra point. The Falcons answered on a Matt Ryan touchdown pass of 21 yards to Julio Jones, and Bryant was there with the extra point. The Saints got the lead back on a Drew Brees touchdown pass, going 8 yards for Marques Colston, and Kasay made another extra point. New Orleans would take a 21-10 lead into the locker room when Brees tossed Jimmy Graham a 9 yard touchdown pass, and Kasay supplied the PAT. Brees kept the Saints going in the third quarter by lobbing a 24 yard touchdown to Robert Meachem, and Kasay made another extra point. Atlanta got a few points back when Bryant nailed a 51 yard field goal. New Orleans answered with Kasay's 29 yard field goal. The Falcons replied in the fourth quarter with a 30 yard field goal. The Saints went defensive on the next touchdown as Malcom Jenkins returned a Julio Jones fumble for 30 yards and a touchdown, and Kasay made the extra point again. New Orleans made it 45-16 with Brees passing to Darren Sproles for a 9 yard touchdown connection, and Kasay was there with the extra point. The Saints go to 12-3 while the Falcons are now 9-6.
Fantasy Hockey All-Stars week 11
1. Roberto Luongo, 2 W, 1.34 GAA, 99 SV, .961 SV%, 1 SO
2. Tuukka Rask, 1 W, 0.00 GAA, 30 SV, 1.000 SV%, 1 SO
3. Ray Whitney, 2 G, 2 A, +1, 10 PIM, 3 PPP, 6 SOG
4. Curtis Glencross, 4 G, 1 A, +5, 0 PIM, 1 PPP, 8 SOG
5. Erik Karlsson, 2 G, 2 A, +5, 0 PIM, 2 PPP, 7 SOG
Bit of a fractured week with the holiday in there, and we're about halfway through the hockey season now. The next 2-3 months are very important as you make your playoff pushes.
2. Tuukka Rask, 1 W, 0.00 GAA, 30 SV, 1.000 SV%, 1 SO
3. Ray Whitney, 2 G, 2 A, +1, 10 PIM, 3 PPP, 6 SOG
4. Curtis Glencross, 4 G, 1 A, +5, 0 PIM, 1 PPP, 8 SOG
5. Erik Karlsson, 2 G, 2 A, +5, 0 PIM, 2 PPP, 7 SOG
Bit of a fractured week with the holiday in there, and we're about halfway through the hockey season now. The next 2-3 months are very important as you make your playoff pushes.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Sunday Night Game week 16
Big NFC North rivalry game tonight as the Green Bay Packers host the Chicago Bears. Green Bay opened with Aaron Rodgers passing to Jermichael Finley for 2 yards and a touchdown, with Mason Crosby making the extra point. Chicago got on the board when Robbie Gould made a 35 yard field goal in the second quarter. The score at halftime was 14-3 Packers because Rodgers threw a 2 yard touchdown to James Jones, followed by a Crosby extra point. . The Bears got going in the third quarter with a Kahlil Bell rush, resulting in fumble which was landed on by Edwin Williams in the end zone, and Gould made his extra point. Green Bay answered with Rodgers finding Jordy Nelson, who did a catch and run for 55 yards and a touchdown, and Crosby tacked on a PAT. Rodgers then looked back to Jones to extend the Packers lead, on a 7 yard touchdown connection, and Crosby made another extra point. In the fourth quarter, Green Bay kept going with Rodgers passing 2 yards for another touchdown to Nelson, and Crosby made the extra point. Chicago got a few back with Josh McCown passing 1 yard to Kellen Davis for a touchdown, and then he ran the ball in on the successful two point conversion. Gould cut the deficit to 35-21 with a late 30 yard field goal, the eventual final. The Packers are now 14-1 while the Bears fell out of the playoff race at 7-8.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
NFL Late Games week 16
Only three games going on late today, beginning with...
The Detroit Lions and San Diego Chargers at Ford Field in Detroit. Both teams have playoff hopes on the line. Detroit led off with a 7 yard touchdown pass from Matthew Stafford to Brandon Pettigrew, and Jason Hanson made the extra point. The Lions rolled on with Hanson making a 50 yard field goal. Stafford kept Detroit going in the second quarter with a touchdown pass to Kevin Smith for 3 yards, and Hanson again made the extra point. The score at halftime was 24-0 as Stafford tossed Calvin Johnson a touchdown pass of 14 yards and Hanson applied a PAT. San Diego got on the board in the third quarter with Philip Rivers throwing to Malcom Floyd for an 11 yard play resulting in a touchdown, allowing Nick Novak the extra point. Novak also kicked a 22 yard field goal for the Chargers. Detroit replied with a 6 yard touchdown run by Smith, and Hanson was there with the extra point. The Lions iced the game with Cliff Avril picking off Rivers and returning it 4 yards for a touchdown, allowing Hanson the extra point for a 38-10 final. Detroit goes to 10-5 and clinches a playoff spot, while San Diego sits at 7-8 and in serious trouble.
Down to Dallas, with the Cowboys hosting the Philadelphia Eagles. Philadelphia drew first blood with a 13 yard Michael Vick touchdown pass to Brent Celek, and Alex Henery made the extra point. The Eagles led 14-0 at the half with Vick throwing a touchdown pass to Jeremy Maclin for 5 yards, and Henery again added the PAT. Henery made a 43 yard field goal for Philadelphia in the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, Henery nailed a field goal from 51 yards away. Dallas avoided the shutout in the waning minute of the last quarter as Stephen McGee threw 4 yards to Miles Austin, and Dan Bailey kicked an extra point for a 20-7 final. Philadelphia, while out of the playoffs, is 7-8, while the Cowboys now have to fight for their spot at 8-7.
Finishing the day off, we go to Seattle, where the Seahawks host the San Francisco 49ers. Seattle struck first with Tarvaris Jackson throwing a 13 yard touchdown pass to Doug Baldwin, and Steven Hauschka made the extra point. San Francisco got on the board in the second quarter with David Akers kicking a 53 yard field goal. Hauschka gave the Seahawks a 10-3 lead to take into halftime with a 19 yard field goal. The 49ers came out on the attack in the third quarter, allowing Frank Gore to run 4 yards for a touchdown and Akers made the extra point. Akers then his a 29 yard field goal for San Francisco. Akers extended the 49ers lead in the fourth quarter with a 44 yard field goal. Seattle replied on a 4 yard touchdown run for a touchdown, something not yet to occur this season against the San Francisco defense, and Hauschka added the PAT. The 49ers took the game though, as Akers was true from 39 yards on a field goal to make it 19-17. San Francisco goes to 12-3 while Seattle is 7-8, and the latter was eliminated from playoff contention by the Detroit victory.
The Detroit Lions and San Diego Chargers at Ford Field in Detroit. Both teams have playoff hopes on the line. Detroit led off with a 7 yard touchdown pass from Matthew Stafford to Brandon Pettigrew, and Jason Hanson made the extra point. The Lions rolled on with Hanson making a 50 yard field goal. Stafford kept Detroit going in the second quarter with a touchdown pass to Kevin Smith for 3 yards, and Hanson again made the extra point. The score at halftime was 24-0 as Stafford tossed Calvin Johnson a touchdown pass of 14 yards and Hanson applied a PAT. San Diego got on the board in the third quarter with Philip Rivers throwing to Malcom Floyd for an 11 yard play resulting in a touchdown, allowing Nick Novak the extra point. Novak also kicked a 22 yard field goal for the Chargers. Detroit replied with a 6 yard touchdown run by Smith, and Hanson was there with the extra point. The Lions iced the game with Cliff Avril picking off Rivers and returning it 4 yards for a touchdown, allowing Hanson the extra point for a 38-10 final. Detroit goes to 10-5 and clinches a playoff spot, while San Diego sits at 7-8 and in serious trouble.
Down to Dallas, with the Cowboys hosting the Philadelphia Eagles. Philadelphia drew first blood with a 13 yard Michael Vick touchdown pass to Brent Celek, and Alex Henery made the extra point. The Eagles led 14-0 at the half with Vick throwing a touchdown pass to Jeremy Maclin for 5 yards, and Henery again added the PAT. Henery made a 43 yard field goal for Philadelphia in the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, Henery nailed a field goal from 51 yards away. Dallas avoided the shutout in the waning minute of the last quarter as Stephen McGee threw 4 yards to Miles Austin, and Dan Bailey kicked an extra point for a 20-7 final. Philadelphia, while out of the playoffs, is 7-8, while the Cowboys now have to fight for their spot at 8-7.
Finishing the day off, we go to Seattle, where the Seahawks host the San Francisco 49ers. Seattle struck first with Tarvaris Jackson throwing a 13 yard touchdown pass to Doug Baldwin, and Steven Hauschka made the extra point. San Francisco got on the board in the second quarter with David Akers kicking a 53 yard field goal. Hauschka gave the Seahawks a 10-3 lead to take into halftime with a 19 yard field goal. The 49ers came out on the attack in the third quarter, allowing Frank Gore to run 4 yards for a touchdown and Akers made the extra point. Akers then his a 29 yard field goal for San Francisco. Akers extended the 49ers lead in the fourth quarter with a 44 yard field goal. Seattle replied on a 4 yard touchdown run for a touchdown, something not yet to occur this season against the San Francisco defense, and Hauschka added the PAT. The 49ers took the game though, as Akers was true from 39 yards on a field goal to make it 19-17. San Francisco goes to 12-3 while Seattle is 7-8, and the latter was eliminated from playoff contention by the Detroit victory.
NFL Early Games week 16
This Saturday morning, there are ten games on. We begin with...
The Cincinnati Bengals hosting the Arizona Cardinals. Cincinnati opened with a Mike Nugent field goal of 24 yards. The Bengals added on with Andy Dalton throwing an 11 yard touchdown pass to Jermaine Gresham, and Nugent tacked on the extra point. Cincinnati kept going in the second quarter with Dalton throwing 19 yards to Jerome Simpson, who finished the play with a solid front flip into the end zone, allowing Nugent another extra point. Nugent made it 20-0 at half time for the Bengals with a 41 yard field goal. Nugent kept kicking in the third quarter, adding on a 32 yard field goal for Cincinnati. Arizona got on the board in the fourth quarter when John Skelton tossed a 30 yard touchdown pass to Larry Fitzgerald, and Jay Feely made the PAT. The Cardinals pulled closer after Skelton found Jeff King for a 2 yard touchdown connection, but the two point attempt failed on Skelton's run. Feely made it 23-16 with a 29 yard field goal for Arizona. The Bengals would weather the storm from here and hold on to improve to 9-6 while the Cardinals fell to 7-8.
To New Jersey, where the New York Jets host the New York Giants for tri-state supremacy. The Jets got going with a Mark Sanchez touchdown pass to Josh Baker for 5 yards, and Nick Folk kicked the extra point. Lawrence Tynes answered for the Giants by kicking a 21 yard field goal. The Giants took the lead with an impressive Eli Manning touchdown pass, 99 yards on the catch and run by Victor Cruz, and Tynes blasted in the PAT. This left the score at 10-7 for halftime. The Giants added on in the third quarter with a 14 yard touchdown run by Ahmad Bradshaw, and Tynes kicked another extra point. Sanchez got the Jets a little closer again by running 1 yard to find a touchdown, and Folk was there with the extra point. The Giants got back on their game by sacking Sanchez for a safety. Bradshaw put the game out of reach at 29-14 with a 19 yard touchdown run, and Tynes secured victory for the Giants with the extra point. The Giants are now 8-7 and in control of their playoff hopes while the Jets fall to the same mark and lose most of their advantage in determining their fate.
Southwest to Tennessee, where the Titans welcome the Jacksonville Jaguars. Tennessee opened with a Rob Bironas field goal from 51 yards. The Titans added on when Matt Hasselbeck threw 55 yards to Jared Cook for a touchdown, and Bironas tacked on the extra point. Jacksonville got a few back with Maurice Jones-Drew rushing 10 yards for a touchdown, and Josh Scobee added an extra point. In the second quarter, Tennessee extended the lead on a Jamie Harper touchdown run of 1 yard, and Bironas was there with the extra point. The Jaguars cut the score to 17-10 at the half when Scobee nailed a 39 yard field goal. The Titans replied in the third quarter when Bironas made a 51 yard field goal. Bironas kept kicking in the fourth quarter for Tennessee, as he made a 35 yard field goal. Jacksonville pulled back with Greg Jones running 1 yard for a touchdown, allowing Scobee another PAT. This made it 23-17, improving the Titans to 8-7 and knocking the Jaguars down to 4-11.
Back to the Northeast, as the New England Patriots host the Miami Dolphins. Miami led off with a Dan Carpenter field goal from 47 yards out. Matt Moore kept the Dolphins going with a 19 yard touchdown pass to Brandon Marshall in the second quarter, and Carpenter added on the extra point. Moore continued with a 1 yard touchdown to Charles Clay, and Carpenter's extra point made it 17-0 at the half. New England got on the board in the third quarter with a Stephen Gostkowski field goal of 45 yards. The Patriots kept going with Tom Brady throwing a 1 yard touchdown pass to Deion Branch, and Gostkowski supplied the PAT. New England tied it as Brady took matters in his own hands by rushing a yard for a touchdown, and Gostkowski's extra point tied the game. Gostkowski gave the Patriots the lead in the fourth quarter with a 42 yard field. New England extended the lead with Brady again rushing 1 yard for a touchdown, and Gostkowski successfully made the extra point. Moore tried to rally the Dolphins with a touchdown pass to Davone Bess for 15 yards, followed by a Carpenter extra point to make it 27-24. This would not be enough to win, allowing the Patriots to go to 12-3 while Miami fell to 5-10.
Staying nearby, the Baltimore Ravens hosted the Cleveland Browns. Baltimore got going with Joe Flacco's touchdown pass to Ed Dickson for 5 yards, and Shayne Graham made the extra point. Graham added a 48 yard field goal for the Ravens. Flacco got Baltimore a few more points by passing to Ray Rice, who took the ball 42 yards for a touchdown, and Graham made the extra point again. The score was 17-0 heading into the locker rooms. Graham kicked a 43 yard field goal in the third quarter for the Ravens. Cleveland got on the board as Joshua Cribbs returned a Sam Koch punt for 84 yards and a touchdown, allowing Phil Dawson to make a PAT. The Browns cut it to 20-14 in the fourth quarter as Seneca Wallace threw 6 yards to Evan Moore for a touchdown, and Dawson made another extra point. This would be a final, with Baltimore becoming 11-4 and Cleveland 4-11.
Westward to Kansas City, where the Chiefs fight with the Oakland Raiders to stay alive in the playoff hunt. Oakland struck first with Sebastian Janikowski kicking a 28 yard field goal. Kansas City replied with a 23 yard field goal by Ryan Succop, and the 3-3 tie lasted through the second quarter into halftime. The Raiders gained the lead in the third quarter with Carson Palmer tossing a 61 yard touchdown reception to Denarius Moore, and Janikowski was there with the extra point. The Chiefs got some back with Succop nailing a 20 yard field goal. Janikowski answered for Oakland on a 31 yard field goal. Kansas City tied it when Kyle Orton found Dwayne Bowe on a 3 yard touchdown pass, and Succop's extra point would eventually force an overtime. In the fifth quarter, the Raiders won 16-13 on a Janikowski 36 yard field goal, improving them to 8-7 and knocking the Chiefs out of the playoff picture at 6-9.
Back to the East coast, where the Washington Redskins host the Minnesota Vikings. Minnesota opened on Ryan Longwell's 36 yard field goal. Adrian Peterson added on for the Vikings in the second quarter by rushing 1 yard for a touchdown, and Longwell added an extra point. Washington got on the board with Rex Grossman throwing a 5 yard touchdown pass to Donte' Stallworth, and Graham Gano made the extra point. Gano evened the score at 10 just before halftime with a 26 yard field goal for the Redskins. Washington added on in the third quarter as Gano nailed a 53 yard field goal. Minnesota answered with a Joe Webb rushing touchdown of 9 yards, and Longwell was successful with the PAT. Grossman answered back for the Redskins on a 4 yard touchdown connection with Jabar Gaffney, and Gano made another extra point. The Vikings replied when Webb passed 17 yards to Kyle Rudolph, but Longwell blew the extra point here to leave the score at 23-20. Gano tied it for Washington by kicking a 25 yard field goal. Webb answered back for Minnesota on an 8 yard touchdown pass to Percy Harvin, and Longwell redeemed himself with the extra point. The kickers traded field goals to make it 33-26, with Longwell good at 23 yards and Gano true from 47. Minnesota went to 3-12 while Washington fell to 5-10.
Down south a bit, the Carolina Panthers host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Carolina opened with DeAngelo Williams running 8 yards for a touchdown, and Olindo Mare made the extra point. Mare also added a 21 yard field goal for the Panthers. Tampa Bay got on the board in the second quarter when Josh Freeman lobbed a 4 yard touchdown pass to Arrelious Benn, and Connor Barth made the extra point. Carolina answered on a Cam Newton touchdown pass to Brandon LaFell, a 91 yard play when all said and done, with Mare icing it on an extra point. Barth answered back for the Buccaneers with a 41 yard field goal. The Panthers took a 20-10 lead into the locker rooms as Mare made a 19 yard field goal. Williams got things back on track for Carolina in the third quarter by rushing 22 yards to get a touchdown, and Mare supplied the extra point. Newton helped the Panthers cause when he found Jonathan Stewart on an 11yard touchdown pass, and Mare again made the PAT. Newton took matters in to his own hands when he rushed 49 yards for another Carolina touchdown, and Mare was there with the extra point again. Newton aired it out in the fourth quarter with a touchdown pass to Jeremy Shockey for 8 yards, and Mare again made the extra point for the Panthers. Tampa Bay got a few back when Freeman rushed 1 yard for a touchdown, but they failed on the two point conversion and would lose heavily by a 48-16 score. Carolina is now 6-9 and the Buccaneers are 4-11.
Back to the north, where the Buffalo Bills host the Denver Broncos. Denver led off with a Tim Tebow touchdown run of 1 yard, and Matt Prater made the extra point. Buffalo got going in the second quarter with Dave Rayner kicking a 28 yard field goal. The Bills next touchdown was special, as Leodis McKelvin returned a Britton Colquitt punt for 80 yards and a touchdown, as Rayner blasted in the extra point. C.J. Spiller kept Buffalo strong with a 4 yard touchdown run just before half, and Rayner's extra point made it 17-7 heading into the locker rooms. The Broncos came out of the gate in the third quarter on the arm of Tebow, who threw 173yards to Daniel Fells for a touchdown, and Prater was there wit the extra point. The Bills wiped it out for the most part with a pair of 25 yard field goals by Rayner. Rayner also kicked a 29 yard field goal in the fourth quarter for Buffalo. The Bills ended up winning 40-14 when Jairus Byrd and Spencer Johnson picked Tebow off in rapid succession, as Byrd went 37 yards and Johnson went 17 yards to take each pick back for a touchdown. Rayner made both extra points. The Bills improved to 6-9 while the Broncos playoff chances got more muddled at 8-7.
Finally, the Pittsburgh Steelers hosted the St. Louis Rams. Pittsburgh opened with Shaun Suisham kicking a 21 yard field goal. The Steelers led 10-0 at halftime when John Clay ran 10 yards for a touchdown, and Suisham made the extra point. Pittsburgh kept going in the third quarter with Suisham kicking a 49 yard field goal. The Steelers were unstoppable by the fourth quarter as Rashard Mendenhall ran 1 yard for a touchdown, and Suisham made the PAT. Pittsburgh wound up winning 27-0 due to a 2 yard Isaac Redman touchdown run, and Suisham's extra point. The Steelers are now 11-4 while the Rams are 2-13.
The Cincinnati Bengals hosting the Arizona Cardinals. Cincinnati opened with a Mike Nugent field goal of 24 yards. The Bengals added on with Andy Dalton throwing an 11 yard touchdown pass to Jermaine Gresham, and Nugent tacked on the extra point. Cincinnati kept going in the second quarter with Dalton throwing 19 yards to Jerome Simpson, who finished the play with a solid front flip into the end zone, allowing Nugent another extra point. Nugent made it 20-0 at half time for the Bengals with a 41 yard field goal. Nugent kept kicking in the third quarter, adding on a 32 yard field goal for Cincinnati. Arizona got on the board in the fourth quarter when John Skelton tossed a 30 yard touchdown pass to Larry Fitzgerald, and Jay Feely made the PAT. The Cardinals pulled closer after Skelton found Jeff King for a 2 yard touchdown connection, but the two point attempt failed on Skelton's run. Feely made it 23-16 with a 29 yard field goal for Arizona. The Bengals would weather the storm from here and hold on to improve to 9-6 while the Cardinals fell to 7-8.
To New Jersey, where the New York Jets host the New York Giants for tri-state supremacy. The Jets got going with a Mark Sanchez touchdown pass to Josh Baker for 5 yards, and Nick Folk kicked the extra point. Lawrence Tynes answered for the Giants by kicking a 21 yard field goal. The Giants took the lead with an impressive Eli Manning touchdown pass, 99 yards on the catch and run by Victor Cruz, and Tynes blasted in the PAT. This left the score at 10-7 for halftime. The Giants added on in the third quarter with a 14 yard touchdown run by Ahmad Bradshaw, and Tynes kicked another extra point. Sanchez got the Jets a little closer again by running 1 yard to find a touchdown, and Folk was there with the extra point. The Giants got back on their game by sacking Sanchez for a safety. Bradshaw put the game out of reach at 29-14 with a 19 yard touchdown run, and Tynes secured victory for the Giants with the extra point. The Giants are now 8-7 and in control of their playoff hopes while the Jets fall to the same mark and lose most of their advantage in determining their fate.
Southwest to Tennessee, where the Titans welcome the Jacksonville Jaguars. Tennessee opened with a Rob Bironas field goal from 51 yards. The Titans added on when Matt Hasselbeck threw 55 yards to Jared Cook for a touchdown, and Bironas tacked on the extra point. Jacksonville got a few back with Maurice Jones-Drew rushing 10 yards for a touchdown, and Josh Scobee added an extra point. In the second quarter, Tennessee extended the lead on a Jamie Harper touchdown run of 1 yard, and Bironas was there with the extra point. The Jaguars cut the score to 17-10 at the half when Scobee nailed a 39 yard field goal. The Titans replied in the third quarter when Bironas made a 51 yard field goal. Bironas kept kicking in the fourth quarter for Tennessee, as he made a 35 yard field goal. Jacksonville pulled back with Greg Jones running 1 yard for a touchdown, allowing Scobee another PAT. This made it 23-17, improving the Titans to 8-7 and knocking the Jaguars down to 4-11.
Back to the Northeast, as the New England Patriots host the Miami Dolphins. Miami led off with a Dan Carpenter field goal from 47 yards out. Matt Moore kept the Dolphins going with a 19 yard touchdown pass to Brandon Marshall in the second quarter, and Carpenter added on the extra point. Moore continued with a 1 yard touchdown to Charles Clay, and Carpenter's extra point made it 17-0 at the half. New England got on the board in the third quarter with a Stephen Gostkowski field goal of 45 yards. The Patriots kept going with Tom Brady throwing a 1 yard touchdown pass to Deion Branch, and Gostkowski supplied the PAT. New England tied it as Brady took matters in his own hands by rushing a yard for a touchdown, and Gostkowski's extra point tied the game. Gostkowski gave the Patriots the lead in the fourth quarter with a 42 yard field. New England extended the lead with Brady again rushing 1 yard for a touchdown, and Gostkowski successfully made the extra point. Moore tried to rally the Dolphins with a touchdown pass to Davone Bess for 15 yards, followed by a Carpenter extra point to make it 27-24. This would not be enough to win, allowing the Patriots to go to 12-3 while Miami fell to 5-10.
Staying nearby, the Baltimore Ravens hosted the Cleveland Browns. Baltimore got going with Joe Flacco's touchdown pass to Ed Dickson for 5 yards, and Shayne Graham made the extra point. Graham added a 48 yard field goal for the Ravens. Flacco got Baltimore a few more points by passing to Ray Rice, who took the ball 42 yards for a touchdown, and Graham made the extra point again. The score was 17-0 heading into the locker rooms. Graham kicked a 43 yard field goal in the third quarter for the Ravens. Cleveland got on the board as Joshua Cribbs returned a Sam Koch punt for 84 yards and a touchdown, allowing Phil Dawson to make a PAT. The Browns cut it to 20-14 in the fourth quarter as Seneca Wallace threw 6 yards to Evan Moore for a touchdown, and Dawson made another extra point. This would be a final, with Baltimore becoming 11-4 and Cleveland 4-11.
Westward to Kansas City, where the Chiefs fight with the Oakland Raiders to stay alive in the playoff hunt. Oakland struck first with Sebastian Janikowski kicking a 28 yard field goal. Kansas City replied with a 23 yard field goal by Ryan Succop, and the 3-3 tie lasted through the second quarter into halftime. The Raiders gained the lead in the third quarter with Carson Palmer tossing a 61 yard touchdown reception to Denarius Moore, and Janikowski was there with the extra point. The Chiefs got some back with Succop nailing a 20 yard field goal. Janikowski answered for Oakland on a 31 yard field goal. Kansas City tied it when Kyle Orton found Dwayne Bowe on a 3 yard touchdown pass, and Succop's extra point would eventually force an overtime. In the fifth quarter, the Raiders won 16-13 on a Janikowski 36 yard field goal, improving them to 8-7 and knocking the Chiefs out of the playoff picture at 6-9.
Back to the East coast, where the Washington Redskins host the Minnesota Vikings. Minnesota opened on Ryan Longwell's 36 yard field goal. Adrian Peterson added on for the Vikings in the second quarter by rushing 1 yard for a touchdown, and Longwell added an extra point. Washington got on the board with Rex Grossman throwing a 5 yard touchdown pass to Donte' Stallworth, and Graham Gano made the extra point. Gano evened the score at 10 just before halftime with a 26 yard field goal for the Redskins. Washington added on in the third quarter as Gano nailed a 53 yard field goal. Minnesota answered with a Joe Webb rushing touchdown of 9 yards, and Longwell was successful with the PAT. Grossman answered back for the Redskins on a 4 yard touchdown connection with Jabar Gaffney, and Gano made another extra point. The Vikings replied when Webb passed 17 yards to Kyle Rudolph, but Longwell blew the extra point here to leave the score at 23-20. Gano tied it for Washington by kicking a 25 yard field goal. Webb answered back for Minnesota on an 8 yard touchdown pass to Percy Harvin, and Longwell redeemed himself with the extra point. The kickers traded field goals to make it 33-26, with Longwell good at 23 yards and Gano true from 47. Minnesota went to 3-12 while Washington fell to 5-10.
Down south a bit, the Carolina Panthers host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Carolina opened with DeAngelo Williams running 8 yards for a touchdown, and Olindo Mare made the extra point. Mare also added a 21 yard field goal for the Panthers. Tampa Bay got on the board in the second quarter when Josh Freeman lobbed a 4 yard touchdown pass to Arrelious Benn, and Connor Barth made the extra point. Carolina answered on a Cam Newton touchdown pass to Brandon LaFell, a 91 yard play when all said and done, with Mare icing it on an extra point. Barth answered back for the Buccaneers with a 41 yard field goal. The Panthers took a 20-10 lead into the locker rooms as Mare made a 19 yard field goal. Williams got things back on track for Carolina in the third quarter by rushing 22 yards to get a touchdown, and Mare supplied the extra point. Newton helped the Panthers cause when he found Jonathan Stewart on an 11yard touchdown pass, and Mare again made the PAT. Newton took matters in to his own hands when he rushed 49 yards for another Carolina touchdown, and Mare was there with the extra point again. Newton aired it out in the fourth quarter with a touchdown pass to Jeremy Shockey for 8 yards, and Mare again made the extra point for the Panthers. Tampa Bay got a few back when Freeman rushed 1 yard for a touchdown, but they failed on the two point conversion and would lose heavily by a 48-16 score. Carolina is now 6-9 and the Buccaneers are 4-11.
Back to the north, where the Buffalo Bills host the Denver Broncos. Denver led off with a Tim Tebow touchdown run of 1 yard, and Matt Prater made the extra point. Buffalo got going in the second quarter with Dave Rayner kicking a 28 yard field goal. The Bills next touchdown was special, as Leodis McKelvin returned a Britton Colquitt punt for 80 yards and a touchdown, as Rayner blasted in the extra point. C.J. Spiller kept Buffalo strong with a 4 yard touchdown run just before half, and Rayner's extra point made it 17-7 heading into the locker rooms. The Broncos came out of the gate in the third quarter on the arm of Tebow, who threw 173yards to Daniel Fells for a touchdown, and Prater was there wit the extra point. The Bills wiped it out for the most part with a pair of 25 yard field goals by Rayner. Rayner also kicked a 29 yard field goal in the fourth quarter for Buffalo. The Bills ended up winning 40-14 when Jairus Byrd and Spencer Johnson picked Tebow off in rapid succession, as Byrd went 37 yards and Johnson went 17 yards to take each pick back for a touchdown. Rayner made both extra points. The Bills improved to 6-9 while the Broncos playoff chances got more muddled at 8-7.
Finally, the Pittsburgh Steelers hosted the St. Louis Rams. Pittsburgh opened with Shaun Suisham kicking a 21 yard field goal. The Steelers led 10-0 at halftime when John Clay ran 10 yards for a touchdown, and Suisham made the extra point. Pittsburgh kept going in the third quarter with Suisham kicking a 49 yard field goal. The Steelers were unstoppable by the fourth quarter as Rashard Mendenhall ran 1 yard for a touchdown, and Suisham made the PAT. Pittsburgh wound up winning 27-0 due to a 2 yard Isaac Redman touchdown run, and Suisham's extra point. The Steelers are now 11-4 while the Rams are 2-13.
Friday, December 23, 2011
NHL Day 79 2011-2012
Eleven games on the last day before the holiday break. We begin with the...
New York Islanders hosting the Toronto Maple Leafs. James Reimer and Evgeni Nabokov are in between the pipes. Toronto led off with the tenth of the season for Clarke MacArthur, assisted by Tim Connolly and Dion Phaneuf. The Maple Leafs extended the lead on Nazem Kadri's second of the year, a power play goal set up by Mikhail Grabovski and Jake Gardiner. Toronto kept going with a Carl Gunnarsson goal, fueled by Connolly and MacArthur. New York got on the board with Kyle Okposo netting his sixth of the season, via Mike Mottau and Josh Bailey. The Islanders pulled closer in the second period with a Frans Nielsen power play goal, his fifth of the year powered by Matt Moulson and P.A. Parenteau. The Maple Leafs pushed back with a shorthanded Joey Crabb goal, his sixth of the season, set up by Tyler Bozak. New York answered with John Tavares pushing his eleventh of the year over the goal line, thanks to Parenteau and Travis Hamonic. Toronto iced it at 5-3 with an empty net goal by Joffrey Lupul, his sixteenth of the campaign, with a lone helper from Phil Kessel. The three stars went to MacArthur, Tavares, and Connolly, while Parenteau earns an honorable mention.
Staying in the region, the New Jersey Devils welcome the Washington Capitals. Michal Neuvirth and Martin Brodeur got the starting nods. New Jersey opened the scoring in the second period with Ilya Kovalchuk on the power play, his eleventh of the season, courtesy of Kurtis Foster and Patrik Elias. The Devils added on with an Alexander Urbom goal, made possible by Travis Zajac and Kovalchuk. New Jersey kept up the attack with Adam Henrique registering his ninth of the year, thanks to Matt Taormina and Zach Parise. Washington got on the board in the third period with a Brooks Laich goal, his eighth of the season, fueled by Dennis Wideman and Alex Ovechkin. The Capitals pulled even closer with the twelfth of the year for Jason Chimera, assisted by Alexander Semin. Washington tied it with Chimera sinking his second of the game and thirteenth of the season, guided in by Laich and Semin. The Devils went on to win 4-3 via the shootout, where Kovalchuk and Elias tallied to down the Capitals. Earning the three stars were Kovalchuk, Chimera, and Laich, while Elias and Semin earn honorable mentions.
Over to Boston, where the Bruins welcome in the Florida Panthers. Jose Theodore and Tuukka Rask will be in the nets. Boston struck first on a Brad Marchnd goal, his thirteenth of the season, a shorthanded goal coming from Patrice Bergeron and Dennis Seidenberg. The Bruins added on with a power play goal by Milan Lucic, his twelfth of the year, courtesy of Bergeron and Nathan Horton. Boston extended the lead with Benoit Pouliot sinking his seventh of the season, with the help of Chris Kelly. The Bruins were relentless when Seidenberg scored, thanks to Joe Corvo and Marchand. At the end of the period, Scott Clemmensen came on in relief of Theodore. Boston stayed strong in the second period on a Gregory Campbell goal, his third of the year, made possible by Marchand and Andrew Ference. The Bruins continued the blitz with Bergeron scoring a power play goal, his seventh of the season, powered by Zdeno Chara and David Krejci. Boston made it 7-0 when Marchand potted his second of the game and fourteenth of the year, as Chara and Tyler Seguin provided assists. The Bruins doled out more punishment as Marchand finished his hat trick with his fifteenth of the season, and the helpers came from Seguin and Adam McQuaid. The final was 8-0, with Marchand, Rask (30 save shutout), and Bergeron earning the three stars, while Seidenberg, Chara, and Seguin earn honorable mentions.
South to Carolina, with the Hurricanes hosting the Ottawa Senators. Craig Anderson and Cam Ward put on the goalie pads. Carolina led off with Andreas Nodl scoring his second of the campaign, thanks to Riley Nash and Jamie McBain. Ottawa replied with Filip Kuba potting his third of the season, with help from Nick Foligno and Kyle Turris. The Hurricanes would take the game 2-1 in overtime on a Tuomo Ruutu goal, his twelfth of the year, made possible by Jay Harrison and Jussi Jokinen. The three stars were Ruutu, Nodl, and Ward (22 for 23 in saves).
A Winter Classic Preview is next, as the New York Rangers host the Philadelphia Flyers. Philosopher Ilya Bryzgalov takes on the fashionable Henrik Lundqvist in net. New York was first on the board in the second period as Derek Stepan recorded his eighth of the season, with a lone assist by Stu Bickel. The Rangers extended their lead when Ruslan Fedotenko sank his fifth of the year, via Bickel and Brandon Dubinsky. New York kept scoring in the third period as Marian Gaborik netted his twenty-first of the season, thanks to Anton Stralman and Michael Del Zotto. Philadelphia got on the board with Andrej Meszaros registering his fifth of the year, with the help of Matt Carle and Scott Hartnell on the power play. The Rangers answered promptly to make it 4-1 as Ryan Callahan deposited his thirteenth of the season, a power play goal powered by Dan Girardi and Del Zotto. The Flyers made it 4-2 on a James van Riemsdyk goal, his ninth of the year, set up by Meszaros and Matt Read. This was a final, where the three stars were given out to Lundqvist (28 for 30 in saves), Bickel, and Dubinsky, while Meszaros and Del Zotto also played well.
Down to Dallas, where the Stars welcome the Nashville Predators. Pekka Rinne and Richard Bachman are in the blue paint. Dallas opened on a Vernon Fiddler goal, his fourth of the season, with helpers provided by Radek Dvorak and Sheldon Souray. The Stars added on with Loui Eriksson potting his twelfth of the year, courtesy of Trevor Daley and Michael Ryder. Dallas chased Rinne when Steve Ott nailed his sixth of the season, coming off of Daley and Mike Ribeiro. Anders Lindback came on in relief. Nashville got on the board in the second period with a Matt Halischuk goal, his seventh of the year, thanks to Blake Geoffrion and Jerred Smithson. The Predators pulled closer with the eighth of the season off the tape of Martin Erat, pushed through by Ryan Suter and Shea Weber on the power play. The Stars got one back when Ribeiro netted his fifth of the year, via Brenden Morrow and Ott. In the third period, Nashville pulled back a little closer with a David Legwand power play goal, his tenth of the season, made possible by Colin Wilson and Craig Smith. Dallas quickly tallied back with Jamie Benn making his ninth of the year, guided in by Eriksson and Ryder. The Stars iced it at 6-3 with Ryder notching his thirteenth of the campaign, an unassisted goal. The three stars were awarded to Ribeiro, Eriksson, and Ryder, while Daley and Ott also played well.
Way to the north, the Winnipeg Jets host the Pittsburgh Penguins. Marc-Andre Fleury and Ondrej Pavelec guard the cages. Pittsburgh struck first with a Joe Vitale goal, his second of the season, with a lone helper by Alexandre Picard. Winnipeg tied it on an Alex Burmistrov goal, his eighth of the year, assisted by Blake Wheeler and Evander Kane. The Penguins grabbed the lead in the third period on a James Neal goal, his twentieth of the season, fueled by Evgeni Malkin and Chris Kunitz. Pittsburgh extended the lead with the thirteenth of the year for Jordan Staal, a power play goal powered by Kunitz and Steve Sullivan. The Penguins kept the blitz going with Pascal Dupuis recording his tenth of the season, via Tyler Kennedy. The final stood at 4-1 with the three stars being Kunitz, Neal, and Zbynek Michalek, while point earners have an argument to make.
Back to the south, as the Phoenix Coyotes host the St. Louis Blues. Brian Elliott and Jason LaBarbera will make the starts. Alex Steen got St. Louis on the board first in the second period with his twelfth of the season, and a lone helper was provided by Alex Pietrangelo. Phoenix quickly tied it on a Shane Doan goal, his ninth of the year, and Michal Rozsival had the lone assist. The Blues regained the lead late in the frame on a Matt D'Agostini goal, his seventh of the season, fueled by Roman Polak and Evgeny Grachev. St. Louis extended the lead on a Jason Arnott goal, his seventh of the year, courtesy of Kris Russell and Grachev. The Coyotes got one back when Keith Yandle potted his fifth of the season, with the help of Raffi Torres and Cal O'Reilly. They failed to get an equalizer, leaving the final at 3-2. The three stars went to D'Agostini, Steen, and Doan, with Grachev as an honorable mention.
A little to the north, the Colorado Avalanche host the Tampa Bay Lightning. Mathieu Garon and fellow French-Canadian Jean-Sebastien Giguere are under the goalie masks. Tampa Bay was first to score as Pavel Kubina put his second of the season in the mesh, and Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis had the assists. Colorado tied it in the second period with Ryan O'Reilly potting his eighth of the year, courtesy of Shane O'Brien and Milan Hejduk. The Avalanche went on to win 2-1 in overtime on a Matt Duchene goal, his twelfth of the campaign, made possible by Stefan Elliott and Gabriel Landeskog. Duchene, O'Reilly, and Kubina were the three stars.
Northwest of that, the Vancouver Canucks hosted the Calgary Flames. Leland Irving and Roberto Luongo got the starting nods. Calgary got on the board with a third period Curtis Glencross goal, his fourteenth of the season, with assists from Jarome Iginla and Jay Bouwmeester. The Flames added on with the third of the year for Mikael Backlund, and the lone helper was provided by Lee Stempniak. Vancouver got on the board when Dan Hamhuis deposited his third of the campaign, thanks to Kevin Bieksa and Cody Hodgson. Calgary iced it with Olli Jokinen scoring his twelfth of the year into the empty net with assistance from Iginla and Glencross for a 3-1 win. The three stars were Irving (29 for 30 in saves), Alexandre Burrows, and Glencross, with Iginla for honorable mention.
Finally, the Battle of California continues when the San Jose Sharks welcome the Los Angeles Kings. Jonathan Quick and Antti Niemi guard the cages. San Jose got things started in the second period with Logan Couture netting his fifteenth of the season, thanks to Ryane Clowe and Patrick Marleau. Los Angeles tied it with the thirteenth of the year by Mike Richards, courtesy of Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty on the power play. The game went to a shootout, where the Sharks topped the Kings on a lone tally by Clowe. The three stars were awarded to Marc-Edouard Vlasic, Niemi (28 for 29 in saves), and Quick (34 for 35 in saves), while Clowe should be named MVP.
Happy holidays to everybody out there. Football will be posted a day late, as the games are on Saturday. I will have them out on Sunday. Hockey is off until Monday, so enjoy the break if there's nothing on for you.
New York Islanders hosting the Toronto Maple Leafs. James Reimer and Evgeni Nabokov are in between the pipes. Toronto led off with the tenth of the season for Clarke MacArthur, assisted by Tim Connolly and Dion Phaneuf. The Maple Leafs extended the lead on Nazem Kadri's second of the year, a power play goal set up by Mikhail Grabovski and Jake Gardiner. Toronto kept going with a Carl Gunnarsson goal, fueled by Connolly and MacArthur. New York got on the board with Kyle Okposo netting his sixth of the season, via Mike Mottau and Josh Bailey. The Islanders pulled closer in the second period with a Frans Nielsen power play goal, his fifth of the year powered by Matt Moulson and P.A. Parenteau. The Maple Leafs pushed back with a shorthanded Joey Crabb goal, his sixth of the season, set up by Tyler Bozak. New York answered with John Tavares pushing his eleventh of the year over the goal line, thanks to Parenteau and Travis Hamonic. Toronto iced it at 5-3 with an empty net goal by Joffrey Lupul, his sixteenth of the campaign, with a lone helper from Phil Kessel. The three stars went to MacArthur, Tavares, and Connolly, while Parenteau earns an honorable mention.
Staying in the region, the New Jersey Devils welcome the Washington Capitals. Michal Neuvirth and Martin Brodeur got the starting nods. New Jersey opened the scoring in the second period with Ilya Kovalchuk on the power play, his eleventh of the season, courtesy of Kurtis Foster and Patrik Elias. The Devils added on with an Alexander Urbom goal, made possible by Travis Zajac and Kovalchuk. New Jersey kept up the attack with Adam Henrique registering his ninth of the year, thanks to Matt Taormina and Zach Parise. Washington got on the board in the third period with a Brooks Laich goal, his eighth of the season, fueled by Dennis Wideman and Alex Ovechkin. The Capitals pulled even closer with the twelfth of the year for Jason Chimera, assisted by Alexander Semin. Washington tied it with Chimera sinking his second of the game and thirteenth of the season, guided in by Laich and Semin. The Devils went on to win 4-3 via the shootout, where Kovalchuk and Elias tallied to down the Capitals. Earning the three stars were Kovalchuk, Chimera, and Laich, while Elias and Semin earn honorable mentions.
Over to Boston, where the Bruins welcome in the Florida Panthers. Jose Theodore and Tuukka Rask will be in the nets. Boston struck first on a Brad Marchnd goal, his thirteenth of the season, a shorthanded goal coming from Patrice Bergeron and Dennis Seidenberg. The Bruins added on with a power play goal by Milan Lucic, his twelfth of the year, courtesy of Bergeron and Nathan Horton. Boston extended the lead with Benoit Pouliot sinking his seventh of the season, with the help of Chris Kelly. The Bruins were relentless when Seidenberg scored, thanks to Joe Corvo and Marchand. At the end of the period, Scott Clemmensen came on in relief of Theodore. Boston stayed strong in the second period on a Gregory Campbell goal, his third of the year, made possible by Marchand and Andrew Ference. The Bruins continued the blitz with Bergeron scoring a power play goal, his seventh of the season, powered by Zdeno Chara and David Krejci. Boston made it 7-0 when Marchand potted his second of the game and fourteenth of the year, as Chara and Tyler Seguin provided assists. The Bruins doled out more punishment as Marchand finished his hat trick with his fifteenth of the season, and the helpers came from Seguin and Adam McQuaid. The final was 8-0, with Marchand, Rask (30 save shutout), and Bergeron earning the three stars, while Seidenberg, Chara, and Seguin earn honorable mentions.
South to Carolina, with the Hurricanes hosting the Ottawa Senators. Craig Anderson and Cam Ward put on the goalie pads. Carolina led off with Andreas Nodl scoring his second of the campaign, thanks to Riley Nash and Jamie McBain. Ottawa replied with Filip Kuba potting his third of the season, with help from Nick Foligno and Kyle Turris. The Hurricanes would take the game 2-1 in overtime on a Tuomo Ruutu goal, his twelfth of the year, made possible by Jay Harrison and Jussi Jokinen. The three stars were Ruutu, Nodl, and Ward (22 for 23 in saves).
A Winter Classic Preview is next, as the New York Rangers host the Philadelphia Flyers. Philosopher Ilya Bryzgalov takes on the fashionable Henrik Lundqvist in net. New York was first on the board in the second period as Derek Stepan recorded his eighth of the season, with a lone assist by Stu Bickel. The Rangers extended their lead when Ruslan Fedotenko sank his fifth of the year, via Bickel and Brandon Dubinsky. New York kept scoring in the third period as Marian Gaborik netted his twenty-first of the season, thanks to Anton Stralman and Michael Del Zotto. Philadelphia got on the board with Andrej Meszaros registering his fifth of the year, with the help of Matt Carle and Scott Hartnell on the power play. The Rangers answered promptly to make it 4-1 as Ryan Callahan deposited his thirteenth of the season, a power play goal powered by Dan Girardi and Del Zotto. The Flyers made it 4-2 on a James van Riemsdyk goal, his ninth of the year, set up by Meszaros and Matt Read. This was a final, where the three stars were given out to Lundqvist (28 for 30 in saves), Bickel, and Dubinsky, while Meszaros and Del Zotto also played well.
Down to Dallas, where the Stars welcome the Nashville Predators. Pekka Rinne and Richard Bachman are in the blue paint. Dallas opened on a Vernon Fiddler goal, his fourth of the season, with helpers provided by Radek Dvorak and Sheldon Souray. The Stars added on with Loui Eriksson potting his twelfth of the year, courtesy of Trevor Daley and Michael Ryder. Dallas chased Rinne when Steve Ott nailed his sixth of the season, coming off of Daley and Mike Ribeiro. Anders Lindback came on in relief. Nashville got on the board in the second period with a Matt Halischuk goal, his seventh of the year, thanks to Blake Geoffrion and Jerred Smithson. The Predators pulled closer with the eighth of the season off the tape of Martin Erat, pushed through by Ryan Suter and Shea Weber on the power play. The Stars got one back when Ribeiro netted his fifth of the year, via Brenden Morrow and Ott. In the third period, Nashville pulled back a little closer with a David Legwand power play goal, his tenth of the season, made possible by Colin Wilson and Craig Smith. Dallas quickly tallied back with Jamie Benn making his ninth of the year, guided in by Eriksson and Ryder. The Stars iced it at 6-3 with Ryder notching his thirteenth of the campaign, an unassisted goal. The three stars were awarded to Ribeiro, Eriksson, and Ryder, while Daley and Ott also played well.
Way to the north, the Winnipeg Jets host the Pittsburgh Penguins. Marc-Andre Fleury and Ondrej Pavelec guard the cages. Pittsburgh struck first with a Joe Vitale goal, his second of the season, with a lone helper by Alexandre Picard. Winnipeg tied it on an Alex Burmistrov goal, his eighth of the year, assisted by Blake Wheeler and Evander Kane. The Penguins grabbed the lead in the third period on a James Neal goal, his twentieth of the season, fueled by Evgeni Malkin and Chris Kunitz. Pittsburgh extended the lead with the thirteenth of the year for Jordan Staal, a power play goal powered by Kunitz and Steve Sullivan. The Penguins kept the blitz going with Pascal Dupuis recording his tenth of the season, via Tyler Kennedy. The final stood at 4-1 with the three stars being Kunitz, Neal, and Zbynek Michalek, while point earners have an argument to make.
Back to the south, as the Phoenix Coyotes host the St. Louis Blues. Brian Elliott and Jason LaBarbera will make the starts. Alex Steen got St. Louis on the board first in the second period with his twelfth of the season, and a lone helper was provided by Alex Pietrangelo. Phoenix quickly tied it on a Shane Doan goal, his ninth of the year, and Michal Rozsival had the lone assist. The Blues regained the lead late in the frame on a Matt D'Agostini goal, his seventh of the season, fueled by Roman Polak and Evgeny Grachev. St. Louis extended the lead on a Jason Arnott goal, his seventh of the year, courtesy of Kris Russell and Grachev. The Coyotes got one back when Keith Yandle potted his fifth of the season, with the help of Raffi Torres and Cal O'Reilly. They failed to get an equalizer, leaving the final at 3-2. The three stars went to D'Agostini, Steen, and Doan, with Grachev as an honorable mention.
A little to the north, the Colorado Avalanche host the Tampa Bay Lightning. Mathieu Garon and fellow French-Canadian Jean-Sebastien Giguere are under the goalie masks. Tampa Bay was first to score as Pavel Kubina put his second of the season in the mesh, and Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis had the assists. Colorado tied it in the second period with Ryan O'Reilly potting his eighth of the year, courtesy of Shane O'Brien and Milan Hejduk. The Avalanche went on to win 2-1 in overtime on a Matt Duchene goal, his twelfth of the campaign, made possible by Stefan Elliott and Gabriel Landeskog. Duchene, O'Reilly, and Kubina were the three stars.
Northwest of that, the Vancouver Canucks hosted the Calgary Flames. Leland Irving and Roberto Luongo got the starting nods. Calgary got on the board with a third period Curtis Glencross goal, his fourteenth of the season, with assists from Jarome Iginla and Jay Bouwmeester. The Flames added on with the third of the year for Mikael Backlund, and the lone helper was provided by Lee Stempniak. Vancouver got on the board when Dan Hamhuis deposited his third of the campaign, thanks to Kevin Bieksa and Cody Hodgson. Calgary iced it with Olli Jokinen scoring his twelfth of the year into the empty net with assistance from Iginla and Glencross for a 3-1 win. The three stars were Irving (29 for 30 in saves), Alexandre Burrows, and Glencross, with Iginla for honorable mention.
Finally, the Battle of California continues when the San Jose Sharks welcome the Los Angeles Kings. Jonathan Quick and Antti Niemi guard the cages. San Jose got things started in the second period with Logan Couture netting his fifteenth of the season, thanks to Ryane Clowe and Patrick Marleau. Los Angeles tied it with the thirteenth of the year by Mike Richards, courtesy of Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty on the power play. The game went to a shootout, where the Sharks topped the Kings on a lone tally by Clowe. The three stars were awarded to Marc-Edouard Vlasic, Niemi (28 for 29 in saves), and Quick (34 for 35 in saves), while Clowe should be named MVP.
Happy holidays to everybody out there. Football will be posted a day late, as the games are on Saturday. I will have them out on Sunday. Hockey is off until Monday, so enjoy the break if there's nothing on for you.
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